Town Crier appointed

HEAR YE: Mannum man Kim Furler has been recently appointed as the Mid Murray Council's new Town Crier, bringing his personal flair to the role. Photo: Emma Zirkel.

Meet Kim Furler, the recently appointed Town Crier for the Mid Murray Region.

The hunt for Town Crier began in October and it was 69 year-old Mr Furler who was deemed by the Mid Murray Council (MMC) to fit the bill.

The assignment of the role sees the MMC join Victor Harbour and Salisbury as the only councils in South Australia to employ the services of a Town Crier.

Mr Furler retired in Mannum in 2001 and has called the riverside town home, which he loves for its friendliness, ever since.

“When I first came to Mannum I volunteered at the senior citizens as part of their choir and eventually found myself performing comedy skits there,” he said.

“That’s when I realised I was a ham...it was the making of me.”

Mr Furler will don the traditional garb, including a tricorne hat, to attend council and community events while delivering locals and visitors a “unique” theatrical experience.

“To be Town Crier is a challenge to be mastered,” he said.

“I believe in not resting on your laurels and I love trying new things.

“People have been telling me for years I have a good radio voice.

“I just want to get out there and let it boom. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the role.”

Mid Murray Mayor Dave Burgess said Mr Furler is a wonderful choice for the region’s first Town Crier.

“We were looking for a big personality and we’ve certainly found it in Kim,” Mr Burgess said.

“Having a Town Crier will add a nice sense of occasion and formality to both Council gatherings and popular events in the Mid Murray region, including the Swan Reach Music Festival and the SA Truck and Ute Show.”

“We are really looking forward to seeing what Kim can bring to the role.”

Mr Furler said his role will include reading out prepared documents at events and takes pride in his performance persona.

“I’ll be putting a lot of feeling and emotion in this to make it an engaging experience for everyone at these community events,” he said.

“As William Shakespeare said “All the world’s a stage and all the men and all the women merely players”. We have our public image and our private image.